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Everything About Axillary Breast Tissue

Axillary breast tissues, also known as accessory breast or armpit lumps, develop in approximately 2% to 6% of women and 1% to 3% of men. Similar to normal breast tissues, the axillary breast also responds to hormonal fluctuations. These tissues can cause pain, discomfort, and cosmetic concerns. Though in most cases, these tissues are benign, the armpit lump can also be cancerous. Thus, it is crucial that you get the underarm lump diagnosed and seek proper treatment.

Table Of Index

What is axillary breast tissue?

How does accessory breast tissue form?

Types of disease

Causes

Symptoms

When to consult a plastic surgeon for axillary breast?

Questions to ask your doctor .

Treatment options & cost

Insurance coverage

What is axillary breast tissue?

The development of breast tissues in the armpit region is called axillary or accessory breast. Typically, the breast tissues extend to the midaxillary line, i.e., the center of the underarm. The tail of breast tissue, called the axillary tail of Spence, also extends into the underarm.

Generally, the axillary breast tissues are characterized by the growth of lymph nodes, fat tissues, or breast glandular tissues in the axilla (underarm). The growth can be temporary or long-lasting based on the cause.

How does accessory breast tissue form?

The accessory breasts, also known as polymastia or supernumerary breasts, can have either partial or complete breast tissues. Generally, these tissues are a form of atavism. Thus, the condition is mostly harmless.

These tissues form when the additional breast tissues along the mammary/milk line do not disintegrate before birth. Due to this, these breast tissues are affected by hormonal changes and other factors, which ultimately result in the formation of axillary or accessory breast tissues. That’s why the condition usually develops during the pregnancy or lactating phase, during which hormonal fluctuations are at their peak.

Types of disease

Causes

Abnormal growth due to genetics

Lymphadenopathy

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Lipoma

Sebaceous cyst

Vascular malformation

Malignancy

Symptoms

Inability to maintain proper arm posture

Restrictions of arm movements

Pain in the lump

Pain along the medial arm

Inability to wear proper clothes

Aesthetic concerns

Symptoms

Typically, the patient cannot identify axillary breast tissue as it is an anatomic abnormality. The doctor can look at the external composition of the tissue growth to find out the cause of the armpit lump.

If the lump is normal fat accumulation, lipoma, swollen lymph nodes, etc., they can be identified by examining the composition of the tissues.

If that’s not the case, several tests are recommended to examine the developed breast tissues accurately.

Ultrasonography- This test is performed to create images of the internal body structures. It helps to diagnose the nature of the swelling, its content, and possible vascular connection of the tissues.
Color Doppler- It involves using two different ultrasound waves to check the blood flow and identify if there is vascular swelling in the underarm region.
Mammography- A mammography is recommended as a routine examination to rule out the possibility of breast pathology.
MRI Scan- If the doctor suspects that the growth is some other pathology, such as tubercular lymphadenopathy or malignancy, an MRI scan is suggested.

According to the Kajava Classification, the accessory breast is divided into the following based on the composition of tissues:

Grade 1- Presence of glandular tissue, areola, and nipple.
Grade II- Presence of glandular tissue, nipple, but no areola.
Grade III- Presence of glandular tissue, areola, but no nipple.
Grade IV- Presence of glandular tissues only.
Grade V- Presence of nipple and areola (pseudo mamma)
Grade VI- Only nipple present (polythelia).
Grade VII- Only areola present (polythelia areolaris).
Grade VIII- Only a patch of hair is present (polythelia pilosa).

When to consult a plastic surgeon for axillary breast?

The axillary breast can develop in men and women alike. Though the chances are less in men, the condition should not be ignored in any scenario. Typical armpit fat is not a matter of concern, but if the following signs are present, you should immediately see a doctor-

The size of the lump is increasing
Swelling in the underarm
Pain and discomfort
Limited or reduced mobility
Distress about the appearance of the tissues

Our axillary-breast Specialist

Questions to ask your doctor .

Which procedure do you recommend for me?

How often do you perform the procedure?

What is your success rate for axillary breast tissue removal?

How should I prepare for the treatment?

What does the surgery entail?

What are the risks and complications associated with the procedure?

Is the surgical procedure safe?

What will be my downtime?

Will you provide post-surgery care?

How many follow-ups will be required?

When will I be able to see the results?

Treatment options & cost

The cost of axillary breast tissue removal in India ranges from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 approximately. The actual cost varies for each patient depending on the following factors-

Size of the lump
The technique used for the removal of the tissues
Choice of hospital
City or location
Doctor’s and anesthetist’s fee
Hospitalization expense
Pre and post-surgery diagnostic tests
Medications prescribed
Post-surgery care and follow-ups

You can call Pristyn Care and talk to our representatives to discuss the treatment cost.

Insurance coverage

Insurance providers mostly cover axillary breast tissue treatment. The tissue can form due to many reasons. Sometimes, the condition is symptomatic and causes pain and restricts arm movements. However, in other cases, the condition can be asymptomatic. If so, then the patient can assume that the tissues are only fat and might ignore the growth.

In all scenarios, excessive tissue growth could be cancerous. Thus, the treatment is considered a medical necessity and covered in the basic health insurance plan. To learn more about the coverage, waiting period, and other terms and conditions, talk to your insurance agent.

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FAQ

Can axillary breast tissue go away on its own?

No, axillary breast tissue can decrease in size due to hormonal fluctuations, but it will not disappear. These tissues are similar to the breasts, and just like them, they can also decrease or increase in size with weight loss or gain.

Is it possible to remove axillary breast tissue without surgery?

Typically, if the growth in the underarm is breast glandular tissue, it cannot be removed without surgery. However, if the underarm lump is fatty tissue, you can exercise, eat a healthy diet, and lose some weight to see if the lump size reduces.

Can axillary breast tissue become cancerous?

There are 0.2% to 0.6% chances of cancer originating from axillary breast tissue. That’s why it is always recommended that you seek proper treatment for the condition.

What are the treatment options for axillary breast tissues?

The treatment option for axillary breast tissues involves-

Liposuction
Excision
Axillaplasty (liposuction and excision technique combined)

Which doctor should I see for axillary breast tissue removal?

You can consult a plastic surgeon or general surgeon to get the axillary breast removed. However, to ensure that the removal doesn’t cause scarring or have any aesthetic downside, it will be better to consult a plastic surgeon.

I am a man and have axillary breasts. Can I undergo surgery?

Yes, the axillary breast tissues are removed in the same way as females, through axillaplasty. You can talk to a plastic surgeon and learn all about surgical treatment.

Get Minimally Invasive Treatment for Axillary Breast Tissue At Pristyn Care

Leaving the axillary breast tissues untreated is never a good idea. It may allow another pathology to develop and put your life at risk. You can contact Pristyn Care and get best-in-class treatment from our expert plastic surgeons. We have a dedicated team of plastic and cosmetic surgeons who have 10+ years of experience in performing axillaplasty with a 95% success rate.

Our doctors leverage the minimally invasive technique, i.e., axillaplasty, which is the combination of excision and liposuction technique. The tissues are carefully removed through an incision, and then liposuction is used to provide a better contour to the underarm region. Even the incision location is smartly chosen to ensure that the surgery has no aesthetic downside.

We also understand the cosmetic concerns of the patients. Thus, we provide optimal treatment that causes minimal scarring on the body. Moreover, the scar is hidden in the natural crease line of the underarm. Thus, you won’t have to worry about not getting the desired outcome.

Why choose Pristyn Care for axillary breast removal?

At Pristyn Care, we follow a patient-centric approach and provide personalized care to the patients. We have customized our services to ensure they are beneficial for the patients in every aspect.

With us, you will get-

Highly experienced plastic surgeons skilled in axillaplasty.
Modern amenities and services at our clinics and partner hospitals.
Flexible payment options, including credit card, debit card, cheques, etc.
Insurance approval and assistance with the claim process.
No-Cost EMI service to pay for the treatment in easy installments.
Free pick and drop service on the day of surgery.
Multiple free follow-up consultations and recovery guide.

Throughout the treatment journey, our medical care coordinator will regularly stay in touch with you and provide timely updates. They will assist you with all the treatment-related formalities to make the journey seamless and hassle-free for you.